Traces three generations of a Chinese-American family from its patriarch's self-invention as an immigration broker in post-gold rush San Francisco to the family's intimate involvement in the 1904 World's Fair
Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-276) and index
Tape family tree -- Strivings (1864-1883). The lucky one ; The first rescue ; Joseph and Mary -- School days (1884-1894). "That Chinese girl" ; Chinatown's frontier -- Native sons and daughters (1895-1904). Suburban squire ; Two marriages ; The Chinese village -- The interpreter class (1905-1917). Blood and fire ; In pursuit of smugglers ; Modern life ; The trial ; "Sailors should go ashore" -- Reinventions (1917-1950). The new daughter-in-law ; Loss ; Service